We recently connected with Loretta Saha and have shared our conversation below.
Loretta, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my travel purpose through a combination of personal exploration, cultural curiosity, and a desire to make a difference. Traveling started as a personal journey—an escape, an opportunity to see the world, and a way to learn about myself. Over time, I realized it was more than just an escape; it was a calling.
I began to notice how history, culture, and shared experiences could bring people together, especially within the Black community. I was struck by the lack of representation and opportunities for travelers like me to connect with our roots, celebrate our heritage, and learn about the profound influence of Black people around the world.
This realization inspired me to combine my love of travel with my passion for education and empowerment. By creating curated experiences that blend cultural immersion, historical learning, and rejuvenation, I could help others see the world through a lens that honors our stories and celebrates our excellence.
Now, my purpose is not just to explore new places but to create spaces for others to feel seen, inspired, and connected while traveling—whether it’s through wellness retreats, language immersion trips, or Black history tours. My purpose is to use travel as a tool for transformation and empowerment.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
**Nubienne Travel Club: Redefining Travel Through Black Excellence and Cultural Immersion**
Nubienne Travel Club is about more than just seeing the world—it’s about experiencing it through a lens that celebrates Black history, culture, and influence. We curate transformative group travel experiences designed to educate, inspire, and empower. From exploring the untold stories of Black contributions globally to connecting with vibrant local communities, our trips are rooted in cultural pride, historical exploration, and personal rejuvenation.
What’s most exciting about Nubienne is how we seamlessly blend education with adventure. Imagine standing in the heart of historic landmarks, hearing the stories of resilience and innovation that shaped the Black diaspora, all while indulging in art, fashion, food, and the sheer joy of travel. Each journey is crafted to celebrate Black excellence while fostering deep connections—both with the places we visit and the people we travel with.
One of our most special offerings is our **language immersion programs**, starting with Kenya and soon expanding to Egypt. These programs go beyond travel—they are opportunities to fully immerse in local culture. In Kenya, participants can dive into Swahili, blending classroom learning with authentic interactions with locals. Egypt will soon follow, offering Arabic immersion alongside deep dives into the region’s rich history and culture.
At Nubienne, we’re on a mission to create spaces where travelers feel inspired, connected, and transformed. Whether through wellness retreats in Jamaica, Black history tours across the globe, or learning a new language, our brand is about elevating every journey into something unforgettable.
Join us to explore the world, celebrate our heritage, and create memories that last a lifetime. Nubienne is more than a travel brand—it’s a movement.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:
1. Vision and Purpose
Having a clear vision and purpose was foundational. Knowing *why* I wanted to travel and build Nubienne Travel Club gave me direction and resilience through challenges. My focus on highlighting Black history and creating meaningful travel experiences kept me aligned with my goals.
Advice:
– Take time to reflect on your *why*. What drives you, and what impact do you want to create?
– Write down your vision and revisit it often. Let it guide your decisions and fuel your perseverance.
– Stay open to refining your purpose as you grow.
2. Cultural Awareness and Storytelling:
Deep knowledge of diverse cultures and the ability to tell compelling stories were game changers. These skills allowed me to connect authentically with people, whether in remote villages or urban centers, and share these experiences with others in meaningful ways.
Advice:
– Read, listen, and learn about cultures outside of your own. Seek out firsthand accounts, documentaries, or even language learning.
– Practice storytelling by journaling your experiences and sharing them with friends or online communities.
– Focus on empathy and curiosity when interacting with people from different backgrounds.
3. Adaptability and Resourcefulness
Travel and entrepreneurship comes with constant unpredictability. Learning to adapt to new environments and solve problems creatively helped me navigate challenges, whether planning trips, working with partners, or handling logistical surprises.
Advice:
– Embrace discomfort as an opportunity to grow. Traveling solo or taking on new responsibilities are great ways to build adaptability.
– Work on staying calm under pressure by practicing mindfulness or problem-solving exercises.
– Learn from every challenge you face and treat it as a stepping stone to success.
General Advice for Beginners:
– Start small and stay consistent. Whether you’re building a brand or exploring your passions, take one step at a time and keep moving forward.
– Seek out mentors, communities, and resources that align with your goals. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
– Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Success is built on incremental wins and the lessons learned along the way.
Developing these qualities takes time, but with intentionality, you’ll find they’ll not only guide you but also open doors you didn’t even know existed.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book EntreDiscipleship by Ronald A. Callender Jr. has been a significant source of inspiration and guidance in my personal and professional growth. Its unique blend of faith-based principles and entrepreneurial wisdom resonated deeply, helping me align my purpose with God’s calling for my life and work.
The role it played in my development:
– Faith-Centered Focus: The book reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit—it’s a calling to serve others and glorify God through our work. This shifted my mindset from simply building a travel business to creating a mission-driven platform that uplifts and educates others.
– Balancing Faith and Business: EntreDiscipleship gave me practical insights on how to remain grounded in my faith while navigating the complexities of running a business. It encouraged me to see challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and trust in God’s plan.
Most Valuable Nuggets of Wisdom:
1. Success is Stewardship: One of the most impactful takeaways was the idea that everything we achieve is entrusted to us by God. This shifted my approach to leadership, reminding me that my skills, resources, and influence are tools to serve others and honor Him.
– Application: I now view my work with Nubienne Travel Club as a stewardship opportunity, ensuring that every trip and initiative reflects integrity, purpose, and excellence.
2. Purpose Over Profit: The book emphasizes prioritizing purpose, which resonated with my desire to create meaningful travel experiences. It reinforced the importance of staying true to my mission, even when faced with financial pressures.
– Application: This mindset helps me focus on curating trips that make a real impact, like our language immersion programs in Kenya and soon Egypt, rather than chasing short-term gains.
3. Faith is an Entrepreneur’s Greatest Asset: Ronald Callender Jr. highlights how faith fuels resilience, creativity, and trust during uncertain times. This wisdom has been a constant source of encouragement in moments of doubt.
– Application: During challenges, I lean on prayer and scripture to guide my decisions, knowing that God equips me with the strength and wisdom to overcome obstacles.
EntreDiscipleship has been more than just a book—it’s a guide that has helped me align my entrepreneurial journey with my faith. It has deepened my sense of purpose, sharpened my focus on service, and reminded me to keep God at the center of everything I do. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to integrate faith with business in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nubiennetravelclub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nubiennetravelclub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nubiennetravelclub
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1-0nlnL29zFoDbd5uECkeg/about
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
